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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Project Objective
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Project Description
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description previously published (edit as needed): Improved angular resolution is one of the great challenges of X-ray astronomy; fundamental to scientific investigations across the field; and at the heart of MSFC’s astrophysics mission via focusing Wolter-style mirrors. The coded aperture (non-focusing) optics for X-rays proposed by Dicke (1968) have met with success in their simplest configuration e.g. via the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. Dicke also proposed a hybrid configuration which focuses a coded X-ray image onto a detector; which has (to my knowledge) never been attempted. This deployable configuration could enable improved angular resolution over pure Wolter optics at the cost of collecting area; and is of particular interest as we consider future observatory capabilities enabled by boom structures; inexpensive micro-fabrication; reduced launch costs; and high-resolution replicated optics. Any focusing X-ray telescope might benefit from such an instrument; so the impact is potentially very broad. It would enable Flagship-level angular resolution with existing mirror technology; and improving future flagships beyond the limits of mirror fabrication. For example; Lynx is expected to have Chandra-like resolution. For bright; extended sources; CAWPHI could enable JWST-like resolution. This requires raytracing; mask design and fabrication; testing; and deconvolution algorithm development. I request $50;000 for FTE; calibration facilities support and equipment and publication to boost this 2 concept to >3.
Project Results and Conclusions
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